Yahoo invests $160 mil in video

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In the midst of its takeover battle with Microsoft, Yahoo has acquired online video platform Maven Networks for $160 million.

The deal expands Yahoo's presence in the fast-growing Web video space and strengthens its ties to media and entertainment biggies that have partnered with Maven.

Online reports Jan. 31 mentioned the Yahoo-Maven deal. However, the $44.6 billion takeover bid from Microsoft, made public the following day, pushed the story to the background.

But Yahoo made things official Tuesday. Cambridge, Mass.-based Maven has deals with CBS Sports, Sony BMG, News Corp.'s Fox News and other content providers to help manage, distribute and monetize their video platforms.

Yahoo said it will invest in Maven's video business. Its video and advertising portfolio complements its own inventory, potentially making it more attractive to marketers to work with Yahoo.